Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The fourth Wimpy Kid movie swaps the entire cast and delivers a road-trip comedy heavy on porta-potty jokes and light on laughs.

4.3/10

19%

5.3

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

movie

PG, 2017

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The fourth Wimpy Kid movie swaps the entire cast and delivers a road-trip comedy heavy on porta-potty jokes and light on laughs.

4.3

19%

5.3

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4.3/10

19%

5.3

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the Wimpy Kid movie nobody asked for. The entire cast was swapped out (goodbye Zachary Gordon, hello unknown kid actors), and it shows—the chemistry and charm of the earlier films evaporated.

The plot is a formulaic road-trip disaster where every stop brings a new humiliation: viral video mishaps, seagull attacks, porta-potty incidents that are more gross than funny. Greg schemes to ditch the family trip for a gaming convention, lies repeatedly, and learns... well, not much, really.

The 5.3/10 TMDB rating tells the story: even the target audience wasn't impressed. The humor feels tired, the heart is missing, and the whole thing has a 'direct-to-video' energy despite its theatrical release. If your kids are Wimpy Kid completists, fine—it won't harm them. But there are dozens of better family comedies that'll actually make everyone laugh.

Skip this one unless you've literally exhausted every other option on a rainy Saturday.

Age Fit

Best for 7-11 year olds who are deep into the Wimpy Kid books and will watch anything with the characters, even if it's not great. Older kids will likely find it babyish and unfunny.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Family road-trip comedy with typical sibling bickering and mild mischief. Greg's schemes and self-centered behavior are played for laughs rather than lessons. The Heffley family dynamic includes dysfunction and chaos that's more cringe-inducing than heartwarming. Limited modeling of genuine kindness or cooperation—most humor stems from embarrassment and family conflict.

Imaginative

Formulaic road-trip comedy structure with predictable mishaps. Greg's 'schemes' are more about getting what he wants (gaming convention) than creative problem-solving. The premise—viral video fame and gaming convention obsession—feels dated for 2017. Doesn't invite much curiosity or creative thinking; it's passive slapstick entertainment without memorable imaginative elements.

Safe

Standard family comedy fare with no serious content concerns—no violence, sexual content, or truly frightening moments. The humor relies on gross-out gags (diaper mishaps, porta-potty incidents) and public embarrassment, which are uncomfortable but age-appropriate for the target audience. No unexpected trauma or disturbing themes. The main 'safety' issue is the cringe factor and bathroom humor intensity.

Enriching

Minimal takeaways beyond 'lying and scheming backfire.' Greg remains largely self-absorbed throughout, with limited character growth. Family bonding is superficial. The TMDB rating of 5.3/10 signals audience disappointment—this fourth installment with a recast feels phoned-in. Entertainment value is low; critics and audiences found it tired and unfunny. Little to build skills, empathy, or meaningful insight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Familiar characters for kids who've read the books, though with completely new actors
Road-trip setting offers episodic mishaps that younger kids might find amusing
Safe, predictable family comedy—nothing scary or inappropriate will jump out
Short runtime (91 minutes) means it won't overstay its welcome

⚠

What to Watch For

Lots of gross-out humor: diaper explosions, porta-potty disasters, and public embarrassment gags
Greg's selfish scheming is the engine of the plot—limited positive role modeling
The entire cast was recast for this installment, which feels jarring if you've seen the earlier films
Even kids who loved the books found this one disappointing—it's widely considered the weakest entry

Conversation Starters

"Greg kept lying to get what he wanted. How did that work out for him?"
"Have you ever been really embarrassed in public like the Heffleys? What happened?"
"Why do you think Greg was so obsessed with going to the gaming convention instead of Meemaw's party?"
"What would make a family road trip actually fun instead of a disaster?"

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